Gran Canaria has a modern international airport which receives flights from Madrid, about 2 and a half hours, and from Barcelona and Bilbao, both about 3 hours. UK flights takes about 4 or 4 and a half hours. It operates flights to different destinations, mainly to Europe. To get into the city, take the bus number 60 from the airport to either bus station in the city which departs from a stop outside the departures entrance, not the stops outside arrivals. The bus runs every 30 minutes from 6:15am to 8:00pm. The 60 service takes you directly to the Estación de Guaguas (bus station) at San Telmo right in the city centre. The first service from the airport to the capital leaves at 6:00am. and the last service is at 11:15pm. You also have the option of going as far as the Intercambiador de Guaguas (bus depot) at Santa Catalina (Harbour-Canteras area) until 8:15pm.

The Port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria receives ships from all over the world. Due to its strategic position it receives visitors every year from all over Europe, Africa and America. For business or for tourism the port remains as one of the most important ports today and there is a program of further expansion. It operates daily routes to other Canary Islands. To Cádiz on the Spanish mainland, a trip by boat takes about 2 days.

Naviera Armas [7] operates to and from Fuerteventura, Lanzarote, Tenerife, Portugal, Madeira, and several other islands. Acciona Transmediterránea [8] operates the Las Palmas-Cádiz line and some inter-island lines. Most of the inter-island connections are run by fast ferries. Residents of the Canary Islands receive discounted fares. [9]. Yacht charter and sailing - INTERNATIONAL YACHTING GROUP, one of the worlds largest yacht charter companies, can take care of all charter requirements, from bareboat to crewed in Las Palmas and Wordwide.

The Port of Las Nieves in Agaete, 50 km from Las Palmas, offers a connection to Santa Cruz de Tenerife through Fred.Olsen, [10].

The only bus company operating interurban lines on Gran Canaria is Global, tel. 902 381 110, email: [email protected] Most of the company's lines have Las Palmas as either their origin or their destination. There are two bus stations in the city:

San Telmo Station in the city center.

Santa Catalina Interchange near the city's port. This station is serviced also by the municipal bus system and by taxis.

Las Palmas has the best quality bus system in the archipelago and one of the best in Spain. The service is provided by Guaguas Municipales, tel. 928 446 500, [11]. The bright yellow buses are known simply as guaguas. The simple fare, paid directly to the driver, is 1.40€ (November 2016). A ticket good for 10 rides is available for 8,50€ + 1,50€ card fee in any convenience store in the city. Official website for more info. Change the language to English at the bottom of the page.

The yellow buses will take you anywhere in the city but if you want to visit other parts of the island you'll have to take one of the blue buses. They all depart either from Santa Catalina Bus Station or San Telmo Bus Station. Fares depend on how far you go. There's a round trip ticket from Las Palmas to Maspalomas' Lighthouse for 6,80€ (September 2013) valid only on weekends, otherwise it's a little over 10€. There's an information office at the main bus station in San Telmo.

If you are over 70 and staying longer you can apply for a Senior Citzens Pass at the Bus Station in Telmo. This will give you a 50% discount on all bus trips over 11km here. You will need Passport Photos for this and 5€.

The most important bus lines have frequencies of between 3 and 15 minutes during the day and between 10 and 40 minutes at night. Most lines have service throughout the night. Among the most useful lines are:

Dense traffic on workdays and in certain commercial leisure zones mean that driving is really no fun here. The city street plan is not at all rectilinear, so the streets can confuse even experienced drivers. Parking is also pretty expensive in most places. On the upside, the price of gasoline is significantly cheaper that the rest of Spain and Europe, there are no toll roads, and entrances, exits, main streets and important zones are all well-signposted.

Free parking is possible close to Alfredo Kraus Auditorium (Concert Hall) to the South of Las Canteras Beach. Beware, that drug addicts and homeless people are playing parking attendants here, and will charge you. Do not pay, since it really is free parking, and this variant of begging is not warranted by the authorities.

Playa de Las Canteras - Almost 4 kilometers in length, this beach is the very symbol of the city and its citizens. Considered one of the best urban beaches in the world, it's quite safe due to the barrier reef and there's lots to do along the promenade. It can be a great place for a stroll during the evening because of the sunsets and the low tides, and on a good day you can even see the lights of Tenerife. You can get the bus number 1 and 12 to get here.

Parque Santa Catalina - Park and transport hub in the port's vicinity. Every year around February the Carnival's celebrations are held here.

Triana - One of the oldest districts in Las Palmas, and now the city's commercial center. In 2013 won an award for the best Spanish commercial street. The first Sunday of every month all shops open and there's gigs and other entertainment. Guirlache ice creams are a hit with the locals. Almost all of the buses go through Triana, you can get off at Teatro or San Telmo Bus Station.

Vegueta - Historical enclave of the city. Best place in town for drinks and dining. It get's quite lively on Thursdays due to 'Tapas Evenings'. Calle Pelota and Calle Mendizábal it's where it gets the busiest, also the area surrounding the public library.

Catedral de Santa Ana - Embodying several centuries of history, the cathedral can be seen from almost any point in the city center. For 1,50€ go up to the top and enjoy the views. Get off the bus at Teatro (buses 1, 12 and 17) and it's just three minutes walking from there.

Casa de Colón Museum - This old mansion, right behind the cathedral, used to be the house of the governor of the island, and it claims it was the temporary residence of Christopher Columbus before departing for the Americas. It now houses a museum about the explorer, the conquest of the Canary Islands by the Crown of Castille, and the pre-columbine America. It's open everyday from 10:00 to 18:00 except on Sundays and bank holidays when it closes at 15:00. Entrance fee is 4€ for adults and 2€ for people over 65 or students between 18 and 23 years old. Minors and unemployed people go in for free. First weekend of the month is for free as well.

Casa de Pérez Galdós Museum This is the house where the famous Spanish author was born and lived until he was 19 years old. It has been kept as it used to be as a showcase of the Canarian domestic architecture from the 19th Century. Entrance fee is 3€ for adults and 1,50€ for people over 65 or students between 18 and 23 years old. Minors and unemployed people go in for free. First weekend of the month is for free as well. Tuesday to Friday it's open from 10:00 to 16:00, on weekends from 10:00 to 14:00 and on bank holidays from 10:00 to 16:00. Closes on Mondays.

Elder Museum of Science and Technology - Most exhibitions have information in both Spanish and English. When you're in, you can also use the internet computers there, so the entrance fee is pretty decent. Students and children have a lower entrance fee. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10am. to 8pm. Take the number 12 to visit the museum.

Muelle Deportivo - Have some drinks or dinner watching the sunset among the yachts. During the weekends this is a popular party area. It's also nice to visit on a Thursday when there's discounts and tapas. Bus number 17 will take you there.

Alfredo Kraus Auditorium - Concert and music hall with classical philharmonic performances and a building that's worth a visit on its own. Get off on the last stop of the bus number 17 to get here.

Museo Canario - It's located in the historic district of Vegueta. Founded in 1879, it is an international partner of the Council for Scientific Research (CSIC). It has a valuable collection of Canary archaeological objects, which are exhibited in 16 halls. It is also equipped with a library of over 60,000 volumes, many of them dealing with the Canary Islands topics. Its archive covers period from 1785 until today.

Atlantic Centre of Modern Art (CAAM) - Opened in 1989, is one of the most important references for the cultural and artistic life of the Canary Islands, and is responsible for disseminating the art made in the islands to the rest of the world, especially Africa, America and Europe. It has permanent and temporary exhibitions that range from the historical avant-garde to the latest trends. It is located on Calle Los Balcones de Vegueta, and preserves the original façade of the 18th century.

Barrio San José (Historic Neighborhood of San José), Paseo San José, Las Palmas De Gran Canaria, Spain (NW edge Appx. 10min walk West (uphill) and South (ocean to ledt downhill) from Cathedral De Santa Ana). Barrio San Jose (neighborhood of San José), Las Palmas De Gran Canaria is one of Las Palma's oldest urban residential neighborhoods. San José as an Urban neighborhood pre-dates its Cathedral - San José Cathedral - established circa 1458. San Jose was located outside the main cities fortress walls and would have been a neighbourhood which housed local workers not wealthy enough to afford the added protection of city walls. Along the upper edge of the neighborhood along the hills ridge line are currently the abandoned remains of Franco era Military Bunkers and Fortress of San Juan which began construction by Spain after the loss of Cuba to the Americans during the Spanish - American War circa 1898. San Jose's current residences consist of colorful cubic brick and mortar homes lined with various walkways up and down the hills to the numerous walking streets and hidden small parks like the Oasis Palms near to the neighborhoods English Cemetery. Another local landmark Casa Amarilla (Yelow House) is the neighbourhoods main community center after the church and possibly the local bars. Casa Amarilla is the hub for the communities events and local, national and EU election center for the areas residents. Casa Amarila anchors the local football pitch and the vistas from the balconies and along Paseo San Jose - the main service road - with ocean views on its Eastern Border and the Hills, Houses and Bunkers on its Western Border. The locals are inviting and if your intention is conversation and good atmosphere there is plenty. Hostels are in the area and 24 hour transit access, no. 12 GuaGua or L1 night GuaGua Bus available on road below at Cordoba 20 near to the running track and local football pitch which demarks the Western edge of the neighborhood.edit

Las Arenas - Situated in a unique location, next to the Alfredo Kraus and the famous Las Canteras beach, it is one of the first shopping centre on the island and the most famous. The shopping centre has a plenty of fashion stores as well as a large range of restaurants with stunning ocean's views.

As a beach town, Las Palmas is especially popular for oceanside activities. Catch a wave, grab your snorkel, or just soak up some sun (after applying sunscreen, of course!). Or if you feel like exploring terra firma, do as the locals do and make use of the public tourism bus, known affectionately as the guiriguagua.

The best shopping areas are Triana, a pedestrian street surrounded by historical Art Nouveau buildings, and Mesa y López Street, which houses two big department stores and lots of other shops. You can also visit one of the many shopping centres. Las Arenas shopping centre, on the west end of Las Canteras Beach (right next to the Music Hall) is the largest, you'll find all the big chains here and lots of restaurants ( tourists get a discount card with discounts up to 50% off ).

There's a small European cinema (Multicines Monopol) in Triana with lots of films in original version with subtitles, in case you're looking for a quiet evening. After the film the check out the trendy bars in the rooftop.

For food items, Hiperdino is a local chain of supermarkets that has a good range of products and set prices. Some of these stores also have a decent selection of wine. For a finer shopping experience head to El Corte Inglés Department Store in Mesa y López Street (Tourists get a 10% discount on all products showing your ID) or the small streets surrounding Triana, where you can find small fancy boutiques and cafés.

Buy the local rum: Arehucas (the most popular among the locals) Artemi or Armiche (and check out the local Honey Rum "ron miel").

Many restaurants have menus in an abundance of languages, and waiters often will also often be able to converse in your own language. Grab a snack at a park vendor or check out www.citygonow.com for up-to-date user reviews of local restaurants.

Galia, Luis Morote, 49, ☎+34 928 223 219. Great French food, well worth the price. It's not cheap, but if you feel like a small splurge and a little luxury, give Galia a try.!edit

Bar Monaga and Cafe, 146 Paseo San José, 35015 Las Palmas De Gran Canaria (15 - 20 min walk West (up) and South (ocean to your left - down) from Cathedral De Santa Ana.). 0900 - 2300. Open 7 Days a week for early Morning Coffee till Late Night Beers. Started around the 1950's Monaga was a local and famous Canarian Comedian. In retirement Monaga transferred to Maria and her family from China who fused Chinese and Spanish / Canarian hospitality seemlessly to continue to provide the local experiance of Canarian local Bar with addition of Chinese and others culture Menu items including Maria's Awesome Breakfast Sandwitch. Bar Monaga is a short walk from Cathedral Santa Ana and worth it. €1 Cafe and Baileys or Local Tropical Cerveca (Beer). Specials for Food.. edit

Some travelers have complained of travel agents reserving rooms for them with windows that provide little or no view. If this happens, check with the front desk of your hotel to see if they have another room available.

Alcaravaneras Hostel, Calle Luis Antúnez 22 (At the junction of Calle Alfredo Calderón and Calle Luis Antúnez), [1]. A clean, safe place to sleep for not too much coin.€22/30. edit

Pension Falow, Calle Alfredo Calderón 25 (diagonally opposite the Hostel Alcaravaneras), ☎+24 928230627, [2]. Very clean, friendly and particularly cheap. Has wifi. The staff aren't always around so you may need to hang around a while before you're checked in.€18. edit

NH Imperial Playa, Ferreras, 1, +34.92.8468854 [12]. Centrally located on the Paseo de Las Canteras, close to the beach of the same name. A resort and business hotel overlooking the ocean. There is one other NH Hotel in Las Palmas.

Downtown House Las Palmas, Domingo J. Navarro 10, ☎0034 618 089 237, [4]. checkin: 14:00; checkout: 12:00. B&B / Hostel in the heart of Las Palmas, next to Triana St. and just two minutes from San Telmo Main Bus Station, conected with the City and whole island. Shared dorm for 17€/pax, individual rooms from 20 €, Double rooms for 36€. Towels, sheets and breakfast are included.17€. edit

Happy Brain Adventure Guest House, Calle Espino 10, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria 35015. checkin: by appointment; checkout: 1100. The first hostel of one-day many more hostels in the Happy Brain Hostel Chain. Happy Brain Adventure Guest House at Calle Espino 10, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria first listed beds via Airbnb in May of 2016; Happy Brain Adventure Guest House (HB) is now currently listed on Airbnb, Hostelworld and other travel websites and its location in one of Las Palmas oldest neighborhoods - San Jose - with ocean views, 24 hour transit access, and great local Canarian culture; Happy Brain is one of the islands best and least expensive hostels. Depending on the season Dorm Beds can be found from €8 to €25 and private rooms from €17 to €50+ depending on number of guests staying in private rooms. HB started as a dream of founder Brian Hyland to find a space / home to meet and host friends and guests from around the world that feels like home and comes at an honest price that covers costs, helps growth in the community, and instills a sense to want to stay and make a home in the community for yourself. HB in Las Palmas is the premier Happy Brain Hostel of what should hopefully be a Chain or Happy Brain Hostel Chain of Guest Houses maybe one day around the world. HB is designed as a template for small scale hostels operated out of family homes and properties that could be managed by the owner alone if required and to help serve the local community by bringing visitors to areas not commonly traveled by tourists. The idea was to create a base standard for what makes a good home / hostel for guests and a checklist of ideas and standards for others in the Happy Brain Hostel Chain to seek and achieve. Key is for a great home experience and for the home to help the local community. Happy Brain Adventure Guest House at Calle Espino 10, 35015 Las Palmas De Gran Canaria Spain is currently owned and managed by Chloe Garcia who is a inheritor of the property from family and who was raised in the house. €8 - €50+ dorm beds to private rooms. edit

Las Palmas is a fairly safe city, and during the day you should be able walk around freely, but it is recommended to avoid the ports and the Santa Catalina Park area at night, especially at the weekend.

Gáldar It used to be the capital of Gran Canaria before the Castillians conquered the island. Cueva Pintada (The painted cave) represent a piece of history of the guanche population.

Arucas - Famous for its rum and its church. The distillery is open to the public and it can be visited for free. There are samples of different alcoholic beverages that can be tested. It's a beautiful small town and worth the visit. Not too far from Las Palmas.

From GC20 you can access Arucas from 1-2-3 roundabouts (as seen from East to West).

From roundabout no. 1 you enter a one-way street (Carretera del Lomo), where you will find a free parking lot on your right hand, in front of the cathedral.

(Beware: Drug addicts and homeless people play parking attendants here and charge one Euro. Do not pay. Parking really is free here).

When leaving the parking lot (by the two-way street of Carretera el Piño), you end up in roundabout no. 2.

Roundabout no. 3 is the only roundabout that offers a two-way through-fare (Paseo Poeta Pedro Lezcano) through Arucas (to Bañaderos).

Here in Paseo Poeta Pedro Lezcano you will find a second possibility of free parking, namely in the cellar (and beyond, in open air) of the two-storey supermarket Hiperdino - but be sure to buy something in Hiperdino while you park here! Hiperdino does have the possibility to block the exit, in order to charge money for parking!

Tejeda Go up to the mountains where you can enjoy an spectacular view of the island. You can walk to the Roque Nublo by foot through stoned pathways builded centuries ago. El Roque Nublo is an iconic feature of Gran Canaria and it's a must see. You can see Tenerife from up there and sunsets are spectacular.

Near by, in Cruz de Tejeda, beware of souvenir-salesmen: The jollier and heartier the salesman is, the more reluctant you ought to be to buy anything!

For example: The salesman will be overwhelmingly friendly and offer you an item for free, if you buy two other items. The price tags show fictitious prices which the salesman cuts down to at fraction even without you are asking - and so on.

Be very reluctant, and cynical about the end-price, cut away all the extra "gifts" (which you really don't need), and press down the end-price with the price of the "gifts".
Or better still: Leave without buying!

Maspalomas - Massive beach on the southern tip of the island which is almost a desert on it's own. There's beach huts, nudist area, gay area and lots and lots of dunes to roll down.

Mogán - Tiny beautiful port with canals and bridges, white houses and lovely Bougainvilleas. There's a small beach and a viewing point on a hill worth checking out.